Speaker Dynamics | Leadership, Communication & Public Speaking

EP30: Virtual Communication Skills: Why Presence Matters More Than Proximity

Are your virtual communication skills strong enough to create real connection when your team is fully remote?
Return-to-office mandates promise culture and collaboration, but they often miss the real issue. The gap is not proximity. It is presence. In this conversation, Karin Reed sits down with Lisette Sutherland to unpack how spatial working may reshape the way we think about leading virtual teams and strengthening virtual communication skills in a distributed world.
Instead of stacking more Zoom meetings on the calendar, spatial work tools create digital offices where people can see who is available, drop in for quick chats, and experience true virtual presence. The result is fewer forced meetings and more natural interaction. It changes how teams experience executive communication, how leaders model visibility, and how spontaneous collaboration actually happens.
Lisette shares how she tested these tools with her own global network and why presence and serendipity are not lost causes in remote collaboration. She also explains the real barrier. It is not cost. It is habit change. When organizations want better culture but hesitate to try something new, they default to mandates instead of experimentation.
 
If you care about meeting facilitation skills, connected teams, and building culture without requiring a commute, this episode will challenge how you think about virtual communication skills and what is possible when remote work is designed intentionally.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 What Is Spatial Working and Why It Matters for Remote Teams
02:08 Virtual Presence and Serendipity in Remote Collaboration
10:40 Why Teams Resist New Virtual Communication Tools
16:53 How to Successfully Pilot Spatial Working
21:44 Rethinking Return-to-Office Mandates
 
Links
Learn more about "How Virtual Coworking Elevates Team Building"
Welo (a Collaboration Superpowers favorite)
Remo
Gathertown
Kumospace
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Visit Speaker Dynamics
Explore Speaker Dynamics University
Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram
Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP29: Influence When Speaking: The 3 Habits That Strengthen Executive Presence

Influence when speaking is not built through big declarations. It is built through daily communication habits that shape how others see and hear you.
In this episode, Karin Reed shares three shifts that strengthen your virtual presence, sharpen your executive communication, and increase your influence when speaking in high-stakes moments. Whether you are presenting in a boardroom or speaking on camera, these habits determine how your message lands.
First, she challenges the habit of winging it. Preparation is not optional if you want strong executive presence. When you are speaking on camera or leading a virtual meeting, lack of preparation shows quickly. Confidence is rarely spontaneous. It is built through clarity, structure, and intention.
Second, Karin explores why listening is one of the most overlooked leadership communication skills. True listening, rather than simply waiting for your turn, strengthens trust and improves how you inspire teams through communication. Strong virtual presence is not just about how you speak. It is about how you engage.
Third, she addresses the cost of staying silent. Your perspective has value. Leaders who build influence when speaking do not shrink their voice in important conversations. They speak with clarity, especially when the stakes are high.
If you want to elevate your executive presence, improve your virtual presence, and feel more confident speaking on camera, these communication habits will reshape how your leadership communication shows up across every platform.
 
Episode Breakdown:
02:49 Stop Winging It When Presenting to Senior Leaders
08:36 Leadership Communication Starts With Listening
15:45 The Power of Active Listening at Work and Home
17:54 Imposter Syndrome and Communication Anxiety
20:40 Why Speaking Up Builds Real Confidence
23:35 Preparation as the Key to Speaking With Confidence
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Visit Speaker Dynamics
Explore Speaker Dynamics University
Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram
Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP28: Connect As A Person For Authentic Leadership Communication and Executive Presence

Are you leading like a person or hiding behind your title? This conversation gets to the heart of leadership communication and the difference between authority and connection. Karin Reed sits down with Mark Carpenter, author of Lead Like a Person, Not a Position, to explore why positional power is costing leaders more than they realize.
 
In today’s workplace, leadership communication is less about hierarchy and more about trust. Mark shares a candid story from his own career that shows how quickly a leader can shift from human connection to command and control. The result was damaged credibility, disengaged employees, and eventual turnover. It is a cautionary example for anyone serious about executive presence.
 
Mark outlines three behaviors that define strong leadership communication. Listen intently. Communicate intentionally. Recognize individually. These habits are practical and measurable. They help you communicate with influence, strengthen authentic leadership communication, and build loyalty without theatrics. For leaders who want more influence when speaking or who are presenting to senior leaders, this framework strengthens both clarity and credibility.
 
The discussion also addresses a hard question. What happens when your culture rewards power plays over people skills?
Mark offers a grounded perspective on values, results, and the kind of legacy you want attached to your name.
 
If you care about executive presence and want your leadership communication to reflect who you actually are, this episode delivers both strategy and self reflection.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 The Difference Between Leading as a Person vs. a Position
02:59 A Real-World Example of Positional Leadership Gone Wrong
07:09 Why Leadership Communication Is a Moment-by-Moment Choice
11:21 Listening Intently to Avoid Solving the Wrong Problem
15:01 Communicating Intentionally to Build Trust and Accountability
19:19 Recognizing Individually to Increase Engagement and Retention
22:53 Leading Authentically in Command-and-Control Cultures
25:04 Defining the Leadership Legacy You Want to Leave
 
Connect with Mark Carpenter:Visit the Lead Like a Person website
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Visit Speaker Dynamics
Explore Speaker Dynamics University
Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram
Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP27: Executive Presence: Aligning Strategy and Emotion During Change

Most change initiatives fail because of poor leadership communication, not bad strategy. When leaders decide to pivot, they usually have data, analysis, and alignment at the top. What often gets missed is how that decision lands emotionally across the organization.
 
In this conversation, John Cerqueira shares what effective leadership communication really looks like during change management. He breaks down the ADKAR framework and explains why awareness is only the beginning. If people do not feel personal desire or see how a shift benefits them, resistance is inevitable.
 
You will hear why reinforcement is the most overlooked step, and how small, consistent reminders separate successful initiatives from forgotten ones. John walks through a real-world example of a global rollout that worked because leaders prioritized transparency, adjusted scorecards, and stayed engaged long after the kickoff.
 
This is also a conversation about executive presence during uncertainty. How do you communicate with influence when emotions are high? How do you avoid the trap of assuming everyone processes information the way you do? And how do you maintain credibility when presenting to senior leaders while still honoring the human side of change?
John also reflects on running for public office and how leading through uncertainty tested his own leadership communication skills.
 
If you are responsible for course corrections, culture shifts, or performance turnarounds, this episode will sharpen how you lead, speak, and guide people through what comes next.
 
Episode Breakdown:00:00 The Real Challenge of Leadership Communication During Change
01:29 From Sales Consulting to Change Management Expert
05:42 Why Leadership Communication Fails Without the “Why”
09:21 The ADKAR Model Explained for Organizational Change
11:59 The Most Overlooked Step in Change Management: Reinforcement
15:06 Case Study: Communicating Change in a Global Pharmaceutical Rollout
19:38 When to Announce Change Without Disrupting Momentum
22:30 Applying Change Management to Personal Leadership Growth
28:39 The Emotional Side of Leadership Communication
 
Connect with John Cerqueira: 
Visit the Pinwheel Associates website pinwheelassociates.com
Connect with John Cerqueira on LinkedIn
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Visit Speaker Dynamics
Explore Speaker Dynamics University
Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram
Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP26: Best of 2024: Own the Room

“One of my favorite things about doing this podcast has been the opportunity to learn new things. And I hope that you've had the same opportunity as well in listening to these conversations. I'm really excited to continue the conversation next year with all of you,” shares Karin Reed, as she reflects on the podcast’s journey. She expresses heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support from listeners and takes a look back at some of the most impactful moments from episodes from the past year.
 
Karin revisits her conversation with Matt Abrahams, who reframed small talk as a meaningful opportunity for connection, and J.D. Schramm, who highlighted the power of storytelling to make data relatable. She also shares Guy Kawasaki’s perspective on taking action and making decisions right, Dorie Clark’s advice to pursue what captivates you for personal and professional fulfillment, and Julia Korn’s strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome through vulnerability and intentional self-reflection.
 
This episode is both a celebration of growth and a source of inspiration for the year ahead. Karin invites listeners to carry these insights forward and share their communication challenges for future episodes as she prepares to welcome new guests and fresh perspectives for 2025.
 
Quotes
"We have to rebrand small talk. Big things happen during small talk. We connect, we collaborate, we build trust, future relationships." (01:43 | Matt Abrahams)
"You first have to understand the data and then you have to figure out a narrative that lets other people understand it." (06:07 | J.D. Schramm)
"If you want to be remarkable, the way you do that is you make a difference. You make the world a better place." (09:11 | Guy Kawasaki)
“If you're optimizing for interesting, you're choosing things that are genuinely meaningful and cool to you. It doesn't have to be meaningful to society in the sense of like you're saving a life every day, but I mean, it could be. It's something that is interesting enough to you that it almost feels like its own reward.” (Dorie Clark | 14:05)
"Imposter syndrome loves shame. That's its breeding ground. It loves secrecy." (16:10 | Julia Korn)
 
Links
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP25: Executive Presence: The Hidden Power of Owning Your Mistakes

What does executive presence look like when you have just made a mistake?
Mark Graban, host of My Favorite Mistake and author of The Mistakes That Make Us, shares a surprising truth. Real executive presence is not about perfection. It is about confident communication when things go wrong.
Mark has interviewed nearly 300 leaders, including members of Congress and high profile entrepreneurs, and asked each of them to share a professional misstep. A clear pattern emerged. The leaders people respect most are not the ones who avoid mistakes. They are the ones who own them. That level of leadership communication builds trust, strengthens teams, and increases influence when speaking.
 
Karin and Mark explore why punishment driven cultures quietly kill innovation and how psychological safety fuels better results. When leaders model confident communication and take responsibility for their own errors, they create space for others to speak up. That shift has a direct impact on morale, performance, and credibility.
For anyone focused on public speaking for leaders or strengthening executive presence, this conversation is a practical reminder that authority and humility are not opposites. They work together.
 
If you want to command the room while staying human, this episode will challenge how you think about mistakes and show you how to turn them into momentum.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Why Successful Leaders Share Their Mistakes
01:44 How My Favorite Mistake Podcast Began
04:41 Confident Humility and Executive Presence
10:24 Why Punishing Mistakes Damages Workplace Culture
12:26 Psychological Safety and Leadership Communication
19:44 Powerful Mistake Stories From Public Leaders
25:58 Building a Culture That Learns Instead of Blames
31:46 A Simple Framework for Learning From Mistakes 
 
Connect with Mark Graban:
Visit Mark' website
Grab a copy of The Mistakes that Make Us
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Visit Speaker Dynamics
Explore Speaker Dynamics University
Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram
Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP24: Using GenAI for Powerful Presentations

“AI is there to support storytelling, but not take it over,” says Maggie Miller, Speaker Dynamics’ communication coach and tech specialist, as she joins Karin Reed to discuss how generative AI, like ChatGPT, is reshaping presentation skills. Maggie shares how tools like ChatGPT save time, spark creativity, and even offer real-time feedback for presenters looking to refine their delivery.
 
Can AI enhance your storytelling without losing the human connection? Maggie believes it can. By treating AI as a “sous chef”—a helper for the heavy lifting—presenters can stay focused on authenticity and emotional connection. She also addresses ethical considerations, including data privacy and the importance of fact-checking, while offering practical tips on crafting effective prompts to get the most out of AI.
 
Starting small is key. Maggie suggests taking small steps, experimenting with AI for simple tasks, and gradually discovering its potential. For those ready to take the next step, Karin introduces Speaker Dynamics’ latest offering: “Using Generative AI for Powerful Presentations,” a program Maggie designed to help individuals and teams confidently enhance their communication skills using AI. Discover more at www.speakerdynamics.com/bonuscontent/
 
Quotes
“I think there are really three main benefits for using generative AI for creating powerful presentations… There are tools out there that give you a platform to practice presenting and get real time feedback. And so, this is just another way that you can use these types of tools to become a better presenter.” (04:24 | Maggie Milles)
“AI is there to support storytelling, but not take it over… Think of it as a sous chef—it’s really there to help you with those time-consuming tasks so you can focus more on the big picture.” (07:52 | Maggie Miller)
“The art is really about being very detailed about what you want. So, let’s say that you wanted to create an outline for a presentation. If you’re writing that prompt, you want to put in there: what is the topic that you want to be talking about? Do you have any time constraints or character constraints that it needs to consider? Are there any other nuances that you want it to take into consideration? I would say the biggest one that I always add to my prompts is: who is my audience?” (19:13 | Maggie Miller)
“I always say start small. Go to ChatGPT and ask it a simple question… The thing about ChatGPT and these other tools is the more you use it, the more it starts to mimic your behavior, whether you think that’s good or bad. The more you work with it, you’re basically training it to be more like yourself… Don’t be afraid. Give it a try.” (20:41 | Maggie Miller)
 
Links
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP23: Don't Give Away Your Power When Virtual

Retaining your power in virtual communication means building a presence that resonates and holds influence, even from behind a screen. So, how do we adjust our approach to make sure our impact truly connects in virtual settings?
 
In this episode, Karin Reed unpacks what it takes to communicate powerfully online. Reflecting on a colleague’s observation that 80% of people appear significantly more powerful in person than online, Karin explains how small adjustments can elevate virtual presence. True influence in the digital space is created by intentionally shaping how you show up.
 
Karin shares five practices for retaining power online—from staying visible and speaking up to creating a warm, engaging atmosphere with small talk. Do you find it easy to connect through a screen, or does it feel like a barrier? Karin suggests that everything—your position on camera, lighting, sound, even background—impacts your digital impression.
 
Treating the camera as a direct link to others can transform virtual interactions and create a sense of connection and trust that feels almost face-to-face. Focusing energy through the lens is more than a technical adjustment; it can powerfully build genuine connections. For anyone aiming to leave a lasting impression in the virtual room, Karin’s insights offer a fresh perspective on communicating with strength and authenticity online.
 
Quotes
“In order to be powerful in the medium that you have available to you, you have to understand that there’s nuance and things that you have to change in order to ensure that you can have as much presence as possible in the room as that room allows you.” (02:20 | Karin Reed)
“Recognize if your goal is to be powerful in that room. So if your goal is to have influence and impact over the decisions that are being made or to inspire people to take action, having the video on is a critical component of that.” (03:16 | Karin Reed) 
“Your digital impression might be the only impression that people have of you. So you owe it to them to make sure it’s a good one. You want them to be able to communicate with you as easily as possible without distraction, but you owe it to yourself because you want what is appearing on the screen here to be a good reflection of your personal leadership brand, a personal leadership brand that you want to be powerful as.” (14:11 | Karin Reed)
“Focus on connecting with your conversation partners—not just spouting information at them, but connecting with them by injecting humanity into the way you interact and encouraging conversation and dialogue. Be as authentic as you possibly can be… The camera does change everything, but it should not change you.” (21:56 | Karin Reed)
 
Links
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP22: How to Build Executive Presence by Strengthening Your Personal Power

Why do some people command a room instantly while others struggle to be heard? Executive presence is often treated like a mystery trait, yet Chris Lipp argues it is rooted in something far more practical and trainable. It begins with personal power.
 
In this conversation, you will rethink executive presence from the inside out. Chris explains why titles and authority do not create real influence and how leadership communication starts with the belief that you can create impact. If you want more influence when speaking, especially when presenting to senior leaders, this episode will challenge how you show up and how you speak with confidence.
 
Chris breaks down the subtle habits that quietly erode executive presence, including blame, reactivity, over proving, and seeking approval. These patterns may feel safe in the moment, but they chip away at your credibility and authority. Through research and real stories, from Bob Iger taking responsibility early in his career to a teacher who diffused a violent threat through calm control, you will see how power is communicated long before you try to persuade anyone.
You will also hear how body language when presenting connects to mindset, and why non reactivity can instantly shift power dynamics in meetings. If you have ever felt small in a high stakes conversation, this discussion offers practical ways to reclaim control without becoming aggressive or performative.
 
Executive presence is not about dominating the room. It is about owning your responses, your words, and your internal state. When you strengthen executive presence, people listen differently and leadership communication becomes far more effective.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Formal Power Versus Personal Power in Leadership
03:07 Accountability and Executive Presence at Work
07:12 Why Proving Yourself Reduces Influence When Speaking
10:43 The Four Behaviors That Weaken Executive Presence
16:22 Handling an Office Bully Without Losing Power
18:52 How to Gain Status and Influence in Meetings
22:28 Personal Power Under Pressure in a Crisis Situation
28:44 Strengthening Executive Presence From the Inside Out
 
 
Connect with Chris Lipp:
Visit the Speak Value website
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Visit Speaker Dynamics
Explore Speaker Dynamics University
Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram
Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP21: Leading Yourself with Elizabeth Lotardo

“Leading yourself is about controlling the controllable. And sometimes that is your own mindset and only your own mindset,” says Elizabeth Lotardo, a consultant, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and author of “Leading Yourself.” She joins Karin Reed in this episode to talk about the power of self-leadership and how it enables anyone, no matter their role, to take charge of their work life. She focuses on the idea that while you can’t always control external factors, like your boss or workplace changes, you can control how you respond.
 
How often do we let external pressures dictate how we feel or perform? Elizabeth challenges that mindset and encourages listeners to focus on what’s within their power—shifting their perspective, building stronger relationships, and managing their own behaviors. She shares practical tips for dealing with things like micromanagers, fears about AI taking over jobs, and the stress of reorganizations, pointing out that a proactive mindset can change everything. 
 
This episode offers a simple but impactful takeaway: “You’re never powerless.” By leading yourself, you can take control of how you show up, even in tough situations. It’s a skill that not only helps you overcome the challenges of work but one that you can carry with you for life.
 
Quotes
“Leading yourself is about controlling the controllable. And sometimes that is your own mindset and only your own mindset.” (02:34 | Elizabeth Lotardo)
“Leading yourself is a simple shift, but it’s not easy to execute. When you do, it shows up in a million little ways. But the ultimate crux of it is shifting from worrying about what’s outside of our control to focusing on what’s inside of our control. And that is empowering.” (03:37 | Elizabeth Lotardo) 
“AI is so scary. ‘I wonder if it’s going to take my job? Both of us are in the content business. That is a very real threat. This is my chance to lean into my uniquely human skills. This is my chance to build more authentic relationships. This is my chance to define my voice even more specifically. Pointing your brain to what you can control instead of sitting in what you can’t is the only way you’re going to lift out of that.” (09:23 | Elizabeth Lotardo) 
“The takeaway of leading yourself is you are never powerless. Even in the face of rapidly changing technology, even if you’re working for a leader who isn’t great, even if your company is a little bit behind, you are never powerless. The way you show up for your mindset, your behaviors, and your relationships has the biggest impact on the success you do or do not achieve.” (23:56 | Elizabeth Lotardo)
Links
Connect with Elizabeth Lotardo:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlotardo/
Website: https://www.elizabethlotardo.com
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm